It was frustrating for Wales to come so near to a top eight place but the performance of this new-look side can at least give encouragement for future tournaments.
“One error cost us the game against Australia” observed Wales coach Paul John. “But I’m pleased with what the boys achieved today. Eight of them are new to international sevens.
“Day 2 will be a big test. Scotland finished last in their group but they have the potential to play well”.
Wales were always going to find it tough playing against the defending IRB Sevens World Series champions South Africa, with Newport’s Craig Hill the only survivor from their Rugby World Cup Sevens winning squad, but a battling display kept the scoreline to 28-14.
Wales’ young side took time to find cohesion by which time South Africa had run up a 21-0 lead. But a superb solo try just before half time from UWIC flyer Alex Cuthbert raised Welsh hopes, the conversion by Gareth Davies making it 21-7 at half time.
Wales then narrowed the gap with a try by Lloyd Williams, and again it was Cuthbert who did the damage by beating the defence with sheer pace. Ashley Beck added the conversion and Wales were only seven points behind.
Then in injury time South Africa turned possession into points with a try by the experienced Mzwandile Stick to seal the tie.
Wales knew that they had to beat Australia to finish in the top eight and looked to be in with a chance when they trailed 7-0 at the break. A superb score from Jevon Groves after Cuthbert had opened up the Wallaby defence and the conversion levelled the scores but in the final minute Australia grabbed the winner for a 14-7 victory.
It was left to the final game against Arabian Gulf for Wales to record their only group win. In the event Wales showed their ability to win 50-0 against the hosts to confirm their readiness for the knock out stages.
Wales and Scotland kick off tomorrow’s play at the Sevens stadium.
Wales Sevens squad: Chris Davies (capt, Aberavon), Lee Rees (Scarlets Academy), Chris Morgan (Aberavon), Gareth Davies (Cardiff), Nicky Thomas (Swansea), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Craig Hill (Newport), Alex Cuthbert (UWIC), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Jevon Groves (Cross Keys)
